Heat oven to 350. Make and bake cupcakes as directed on box, adding all ingredients suggested on box and adding almond extract, if desired. Cool in pans 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely; about 30 minutes.

Remove lid and foil cover from frosting container. Microwave frosting on High 30 seconds. Stir thoroughly until very soft and smooth, microwaving an additional 5 to 15 seconds if necessary. Spoon 1 tablespoon frosting over top of cupcake. Top with cherry from pie filling. OR, you could use a stemmed maraschino cherry in place of the pie filling cherry.